Restaurant customer shoots security officer over unpaid tab
HAMPTON, Va. May 6 2024— A local restaurant owner says someone shot one of her employees over an unpaid tab Saturday night.
The shooting on Buckroe Avenue sent a Coasters Beach Grill employee to the hospital in serious condition, according to Hampton police. Police have not identified the victim.
13News Now spoke to Shawanna Bailey, the owner of Coasters Beach Grill, who said the man shot is one of the restaurant’s security guards and Saturday was his first day on the job.
Bailey said at around 11:40 p.m., a customer walked outside of the restaurant without paying a roughly $50 tab. Bailey said the security officer followed the customer outside, and that’s when the customer pulled out a gun and shot the security guard.
Several neighbors told 13News Now they heard gunshots.
“I was awakened by what sounded like three gunshots,” said one man, who wished to remain anonymous. “I thought to myself, ‘Are there actually gunshots or am I dreaming?'”
A handful of neighbors voiced concerns over the restaurant.
“It’s not the type of business that needs to be in this family-oriented area,” said one man.
The restaurant owner, however, called Saturday night’s shooting an uncontrollable situation. Bailey said customers are checked for weapons before they can enter the restaurant.
Neighbors argue this isn’t the first time a shooting has happened near Coasters Beach Grill. Roughly a year ago, police say a customer and security officer exchanged gunfire near the restaurant.
“Random gunfire could come and hit us while we’re outside or even inside the house. So, it’s a concern,” a neighbor said.
Investigators are still searching for the suspect or suspects involved in Saturday’s shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
